Skip to content
Edit post

UK to deploy 20,000 troops in Northern Europe to deter Russian hybrid threats

by Martin Fornusek October 14, 2023 12:01 AM 2 min read
A Merlin helicopter lands on the deck of Royal Navy warship HMS Albion during Joint Viking training exercises with NATO forces southeast of Harstad, in Vagsjord, Norway, on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. (Danielle Bochove/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
This audio is created with AI assistance

Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight.

Become a member Support us just once

The U.K. will deploy over 20,000 troops, along with ships and aircraft, in Northern Europe next year to protect critical infrastructure and tackle Russian hybrid threats, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Oct. 13.

Meeting Northern European leaders on the strategically important island of Gotland, Sunak pointed out accelerating "hybrid activities and strategic competition" in the region.

The leaders discussed "Russia's sabotaging behavior" in Northern Europe and how they can jointly address this threat.

The prime minister emphasized that even though Russian President Vladimir Putin had lost significant ground in Ukraine since launching the full-scale invasion, "allies and partners should not be lulled into a false sense of security."

For that purpose, London will send over 20,000 soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen and women, as well as eight Royal Navy ships, 25 jets, and a helicopter aviation task force to the northern European region, the U.K. government's press release said.

The troops will take part in large-scale, multi-country exercises and carry out policing and cold weather training. This is meant to strengthen the allies' ability to "detect, deter, and defuse traditional and hybrid threats."

"Northern Europe is vital to our national security, which is why it's more important than ever that we work with our Joint Expeditionary Force neighbors to protect our backyard and deter damaging hybrid threats," Sunak said.

‘She needs armor.’ Female Ukrainian soldiers call for equality
Many passersby raise their heads when walking past the Princess Olga monument in downtown Kyiv. Some even stop, gazing at the statue with surprise. Although it has been there for years, it seems the monument has never gotten as much attention as it has in recent weeks. In early September,

News Feed

11:14 PM

Romania denies downing Russian drones over Ukraine.

Videos on social media that purport to show Romanian air defense units shooting down Russian attack drones above Ukraine are spreading a false narrative, Romania's Defense Ministry said in a statement on July 26.
Ukraine Daily
News from Ukraine in your inbox
Ukraine news
Please, enter correct email address
3:38 PM

Russian ex-deputy defense minister arrested on corruption charges.

In his previous position, former Russian Deputy Defense Minister Dmitry Bulgakov was in charge of the military's logistics chains during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. His dismissal was widely seen as a response to the logistic failures that accompanied the early months of Russia's all-out war.
11:31 AM

Сeasefire would leave 25% of Ukraine under Russian control, ambassador says.

"Many countries have proposed the idea of a ceasefire, but no one thinks about what it means. Some 25% of Ukrainian territory would remain under Russian control, which means buying time for Russia to strengthen its capabilities and resume its attacks on Ukraine," Ambassador of Ukraine to Turkey Vasyl Bodnar said.
MORE NEWS

Editors' Picks

Enter your email to subscribe
Please, enter correct email address
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required
* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Subscribe
* indicates required

Subscribe

* indicates required
Successfuly subscribed
Thank you for signing up for this newsletter. We’ve sent you a confirmation email.